Irresistible Red Wine Chicken Skillet Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting yet sophisticated meal to serve for dinner tonight? Look no further than this Red Wine Chicken Skillet recipe. The combination of tender chicken thighs, earthy Brussels sprouts, and creamy potatoes is elevated to the next level by cooking it all in a rich red wine sauce.
This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests with your culinary skills. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also looks stunning when served in its vibrant red hues. Plus, with everything cooked in one skillet, this recipe is a breeze to clean up after.
Trust me, once you try this Red Wine Chicken Skillet recipe, it will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. So grab a bottle of your favorite red wine and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than this Red Wine Chicken Skillet Recipe! There are so many reasons to love this dish, from its rich red wine sauce to its tender chicken thighs and hearty veggies.
First of all, let’s talk about that sauce. It’s made with a full cup of red wine, which adds a complex depth of flavor that you just can’t get with other cooking liquids. Plus, the addition of honey and thyme gives the sauce a touch of sweetness and earthiness that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
Speaking of the chicken, this recipe calls for skinless chicken thighs, which are both affordable and incredibly flavorful. They cook up quickly in the skillet and absorb all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
And then there are the veggies…oh, the veggies. Brussels sprouts and red onions add crunch and color to this dish, while potatoes help make it more filling. Plus, all these ingredients cook together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
But perhaps my favorite thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You could easily swap out the chicken thighs for boneless skinless breasts or even mushrooms to make it vegetarian. And if you don’t have red wine on hand, you could use white wine vinegar or even just broth instead.
Overall, this Red Wine Chicken Skillet Recipe is perfect for when you want something comforting and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this delicious red wine chicken skillet recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound of small russet potatoes, quartered
- 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Red Wine Sauce:
– 1 cup of red wine (I recommend using a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 tbsp honey
– 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Feel free to adjust the amount of each ingredient to your liking. You can also substitute any vegetable or protein in this recipe with your favorites.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s jump into how to make this red wine chicken skillet recipe.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken to the pan once the butter is melted and the pan is hot.
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Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
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Add sliced red onions, garlic cloves, and sliced russet potatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
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Next, add in the Brussels sprouts to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they begin to brown.
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Pour in one cup of red wine, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a few sprigs of thyme into the skillet, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
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Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes or until it has reduced by half.
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Return the chicken back to the skillet, making sure it is coated with the sauce.
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Place another sprig or two of thyme on top of the chicken and vegetables.
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Simmer again for another 10-15 minutes or until everything is cooked through.
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Once done, let it rest for a bit then serve while still hot!
Substitutions and Variations
Liven up the Red Wine Chicken Skillet recipe with a few substitutions and variations that will change the flavor profile while still keeping the essence of the dish. Here are some ideas to get creative in the kitchen:
– Protein: Swap chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the protein you choose.
– Vegetables: Brussels sprouts and red onions can be replaced with other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can even add mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
– Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage or oregano can be used instead of thyme to add depth and fragrance to the dish.
– Sauce: For a lighter version, replace the red wine sauce with a white wine vinegar sauce that is tangy and refreshing. Alternatively, try swapping out red wine for a splash of balsamic vinegar for an intense sweet and sour flavor.
– One skillet wonders: If you don’t have a skillet or want to simplify the process, opt to roast all the ingredients on one sheet pan. Just toss everything together in olive oil, season with salt, pepper and your herb of choice, and roast at 400°F until golden brown.
These tasty substitutions and variations will elevate your Red Wine Chicken Skillet recipe to new heights, offering you a flavorful twist on this classic dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
Serving and Pairing
This red wine chicken skillet recipe has a strong, bold flavor that is best served with lighter, equally robust side dishes that complement the dish without overpowering it. Some of my favorite pairings include roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, or creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with thyme.
For a light and refreshing touch, try serving this chicken dish with a side of buttery Brussels sprouts sautéed in garlic cloves and olive oil. The flavors will blend seamlessly together, creating a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
When it comes to wine pairing, I recommend sticking with a dry red wine. The robust flavor of the chicken recipe can be perfectly complemented by red wines like Merlot, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you want to add something sweet to your meal, consider drizzling a bit of honey over your roasted potatoes for an extra touch of decadence. Additionally, you can always use a splash of red wine vinegar to enhance the tanginess of the sauce.
So go ahead and indulge in the cozy comfort food of this delicious red wine chicken skillet recipe. With its rich flavor profile and versatility in serving options, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at any dinner table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this red wine chicken skillet recipe is that it can be easily made ahead of time. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a dinner party.
If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, you can store the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Simply cook the chicken and prepare the sauce as directed in the recipe. Then, let them cool down to room temperature before storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
To reheat the chicken, you can either microwave it until heated through or preheat your oven to 375°F and bake it for 10-15 minutes or until warm. If the sauce has thickened during storage, you can add a splash of chicken broth, white wine or red wine vinegar to thin it out before reheating.
If you plan on storing any leftovers, make sure to store them properly in sealed containers within the first two hours of cooking. Keep in mind that this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When reheating leftovers in the microwave, make sure to cover them to prevent drying out. You may also want to sprinkle a little bit of water on top of the chicken to help keep it moist while reheating.
Overall, this red wine chicken skillet recipe is a great dish that you can make ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week whenever you need a quick meal that tastes great every single time!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking the perfect red wine chicken skillet, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your dish to the next level. I’ve tried and tested many variations of this recipe, and here are my top tips for achieving a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
1. Sear the Chicken Thighs
To give your chicken a deep golden brown color and crispy texture, season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and sear them on the skin side in a hot skillet with olive oil. This will not only add flavor to your dish but also seal in the juices for moist and tender chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken Thighs at Medium Heat
Chicken thighs take longer to cook than chicken breasts because of their higher fat content. For best results, cook them at medium heat for approximately 6-7 minutes per side until they are cooked through but not dry.
3. Use Quality Red Wine
The key ingredient to this recipe is, of course, red wine. Use a quality red wine that you would actually drink instead of using cheap cooking wine. It will not only enhance the flavor of your dish but also make it richer and more complex.
4. Let the Sauce Simmer
After adding the red wine sauce ingredients to your skillet, let it simmer for at least 5-10 minutes on medium heat to reduce and thicken. This will intensify the flavors of the sauce and create a velvety texture that coats each piece of chicken.
5. Adjust Seasonings to Your Liking
While this recipe has specific measurements for salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and honey, feel free to adjust these seasonings to your liking. Taste your sauce before serving and add more salt or honey as needed.
By following these tips, you can elevate your red wine chicken skillet from an ordinary weeknight dinner to a mouthwatering restaurant-quality meal that impresses your family and guests.
Bottom Line
As a sommelier, I highly recommend this Red Wine Chicken Skillet Recipe for its rich and complex flavors. It’s the perfect meal to serve for a romantic dinner or any special occasion. The combination of red wine, honey, garlic cloves, and thyme creates a savory and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken thighs, hearty potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own by substituting or adding ingredients to suit your preferences. You can also experiment with different types of red wine to create unique variations.
Remember to follow the tips for perfect results, including seasoning the chicken thoroughly, letting it cook until golden brown and crispy, and using a high-quality skillet.
One key aspect of this recipe is its simplicity – it can be prepared in one skillet and requires only a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption.
In conclusion, the Red Wine Chicken Skillet Recipe is a deliciously satisfying and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with red wine. Give it a try and experience the coq au vin-inspired flavors for yourself!
Red Wine Chicken Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs white russet potatoes (the fluffy ones)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 6 skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 red onions, cut into eighths
- 8 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 thyme, sprig
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. and place a cast iron pan roasting tray in the oven (if you don't have one no problem).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil add a pinch of salt and add your potatoes. Cook until they are super fluffy… like really soft, but still holds their shape (12-15 minutes). Drain and allow to evaporate for 10 minutes… you want them very dry for super crunch.
- Remove roasting pan from oven and add 2 Tbsp olive oil, shake the potatoes in a bowl and carefully add them in . Season with salt and pepper and give them a toss, before placing in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add butter along with the garlic and thyme. Give the pan a mix to coat every fluffy potato. Add the potatoes back in the oven when the veggies and chicken go in to cook for a final 10-15 minutes (see step 6).
- Meanwhile, remove cast iron pan from oven and place on a medium-heat (regular frypan is fine) add drizzle in 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Pat the skin of the chicken dry and season with salt, then place skin-side down in the pan. cook for 5-7 minutes or until skin is super crispy, remove chicken.
- Add remaining 1 Tbsp of Olive oil to the pan and add your brussels sprouts and onions, cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly colored. Deglaze with both the red wine and balsamic vinegar and add rosemary & honey. Season with salt and pepper, place chicken on top and pop in the oven to cook for a further 10 minutes.
- Serve chicken and red wine veggies with the crunchiest potatoes.
Add Your Own Notes
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